Wolves should press high and spend long stretches in Portsmouth's half. Portsmouth's defensive spine has a recent example of surviving sustained pressure, and its wide outlets can still attack space after a loose home pass. At Anfield, Liverpool's press poses a different test for Villarreal's first connection. Villarreal's recent scores hide a changed attacking lineup and useful chances around the box.
Pack's screen can deny López an easy turn, while Poole, Dia and Schmid give Portsmouth a route through the first wave. Wolves can recycle blocked shots and bring on runners, but Jiménez is out, Armstrong missed Burnley, and López is still finding full rhythm. Kamara and Segečić can use the space behind advancing fullbacks, as Portsmouth's defence works to keep the game close. That's why I'm siding with Portsmouth to stay within reach of Wolves.
Liverpool can win the ball high and quickly find Wirtz, Barcola and Isak. Yet Frimpong, who drove much of the wide supply in the LASK game, was injured at Brentford and is out with Szoboszlai; Villarreal's Moreno and Mikautadze had limited minutes in the rotated Elche side, and that draw still produced clear chances. Villarreal can collect a first or second ball, reach Moleiro and attack Liverpool's changed right side. That current reply route is why I'm siding with Villarreal to keep this contest close.
